Historical information

In the 19th century butter pats were used to shape butter into bricks, making butter ready for sale and use. The excess moisture would be squeezed out of the butter which was then transferred to a wooden board. The butter maker would hold one of these pats in each hand and work the butter into shape. The inside of the pat was usually serrated to grip the butter and squeeze out any further water. The butter was often stamped with a wooden stamp or print. Butter was sold from a number of commercial premises in Bendigo, however it was also common for families to produce their own butter.
In 1895, Mr. Mark Twain visited Australia. The New South Wales Government 'engaged him to lecture through the provinces on How to Make Butter for export' (Weekly Times, 28 February, 1895). Fifty nine tons of butter were exported on the S.S. Orient in 1895, being the first consignment for the years 1895/6. (Kyneton Observor, 17th October, 1895)

Physical description

Two wooden butter pats, one marked in ink, approx 1880 vintage butter pats donated by Sister Kerrins 154 Don St Bendigo 12.3.65